I ask you a question dear friends. Is it automatically wrong to be Episcopal?
I get the impression (and often just hear it outright) from Reformed pastors that it is not very good to be an Episcopal simply because you are connected to lots of other bad Episcopal churches by virtue of Canterbury. I mean, in my view, I’m already connected to them by Christ. Like, say you pastor a small, conservative Episcopal church in the ECUSA. You’re connected to Canterbury, and thus you’re connected to the woman pastored Episcopal Church of the Vagrants and Whores across town. Or what about a small continuing church? I’ve been told that a person that thinks this is okay “lacks ecclesiastical vision.”
Or what about the ELCA? Say I pastor a conservative ELCA church in rural Minnesota. Over in California, there is an ELCA church that is ordaining Johnny Wiccan as their pastor. Is it wrong to be pastoring Faithful ELCA in Minnesota?
July 20th, 2003 at 2:44 pm
Well, the real question we need to ask is this: Should churches that are fairly alone in that they are good churches within a majority of terrible churches within a denomination stay there? We know that we shouldnt be yoked with unbelievers, and if everyone around you is going to hell in a handbasket, it’s good to assess if you’re standing in the right place.
July 21st, 2003 at 2:25 pm
No it’s not.
Hmmm…Episcopal church of Vagrants and Whores? Like Jesus we also invite tax collectors and thieves. Jesus ministered to them all. Perhaps those Reformed pastors should go and do likewise.
May the Peace of the Lord be also with you.
C-
July 25th, 2003 at 9:55 pm
I guess you can mark me down as one who “lacks ecclesiastical vision.” No, wait…I take that back. Mark me down as one who said: Whoever said that lacks ecclesiastical vision him- or herself.
April 25th, 2005 at 7:58 pm
« Like Jesus we also invite tax collectors and thieves. Jesus ministered to them all. »
Yes, Jesus invited and ministered to thieves and whores, as should we.
But let’s not forget: Jesus enjoined them to repent and be saved! He did not condone their evil behavior, or enable them to remain in sin. Nor should we.
Be blessed,
TR76